Admission PhilosophySt. Christopher’s Episcopal School welcomes students whose educational, behavioral, and developmental needs can be safely and effectively supported within our school’s programs, staffing model, and instructional approach. Admission decisions are based on ensuring an appropriate match between the student, the family, and the school environment so that each child may thrive.
General Admission RequirementsTo be considered for enrollment, families must:

• Submit all required admission forms and documentation
• Participate in an Meet the Teacher, tour, and Parent Orientation
• Agree to all school policies and behavioral expectations
• Demonstrate consistent parent/guardian support for the child’s educational and behavioral needs
• Ensure students are able to participate safely, independently, and successfully within the school’s structure

Admission is not guaranteed and is subject to review by administration.
Behavioral and Developmental ReadinessBecause SCES operates without specialized therapeutic or special-education services, students must:

• Be able to follow routine classroom expectations with age-appropriate independence
• Engage safely with peers and staff
• Demonstrate behavior that can be supported within a typical classroom setting using the school’s established behavior guidance practices
• Not require individualized behavior plans, one-on-one supervision, or specialized interventions beyond what SCES can provide

The school may require a trial period to determine if the program is an appropriate fit.
Students With Specialized NeedsSCES is not staffed or licensed to provide special education, therapeutic interventions, or medically intensive support. For this reason, the school may not be able to admit students who:

• Require services equivalent to an IEP, BIP, or therapeutic plan
• Need continuous or specialized supervision
• Have medical or behavioral needs beyond the scope of a private early-childhood/elementary setting
• Demonstrate extreme or persistent behaviors that pose safety concerns for themselves or others

Admission may be denied or deferred if the student's needs exceed program capacity.
Parent/Guardian Partnership Requirement Parent partnership is essential for student success at SCES. Continued enrollment requires families to:

• Maintain open, respectful communication with school staff
• Follow through with recommended strategies to support behavior and learning
• Attend required conferences and meetings
• Support school policies consistently at home

Lack of parent cooperation may impact enrollment decisions.
Conditional Enrollment & Fit Review A student’s continued enrollment is contingent upon the school’s ability to meet the child's needs within the existing program. If at any point:

• The school determines that it can no longer safely or effectively support the student, or
• The student's needs exceed program capabilities, or
• The family does not partner with the school to support the child

the school may place the student on conditional enrollment, require outside evaluation, or determine that SCES is not the appropriate educational setting.
The Head of School reserves the right to discontinue enrollment when it is determined that the school and family are not a successful match.

Grounds for Discontinuation of Enrollment Enrollment may be ended by the school when:

• The student’s behavior presents ongoing safety concerns
• The student requires support beyond the school's staffing or training
• The student’s needs cannot be met within a group setting
• There is repeated disruption to the learning environment
• Parents/guardians do not uphold required school policies or refuse necessary collaboration
• Recommended evaluations, services, or support plans are declined
• Tuition or fees are not paid according to policy

In such cases, SCES will provide reasonable notice and guidance on next steps when appropriate.